Shaquille O’Neal Snubs Charles Barkley’s Take On “MVP” Joel Embiid’s Game Winner vs Raptors

The NBA playoffs is the stage for the biggest players to shine. And Joel Embiid delivered on his status. The MVP candidate hit a crazy game-winner in game 3 against the Raptors to win the overtime thriller. Charles Barkley sounded off his game-winner in some ways. However, Shaquille O’Neal defended the 76ers center and praised Embiid for his insane shot.

Embiid had arguably his best regular-season performance this year. The Sixers big man put up ridiculous numbers for the Sixers. Even without any star help, the big man averaged 30.6 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. Winning the scoring title for the first time since Shaq, Embiid impressed many around the league.

And he hasn’t let his momentum down in the playoffs. Embiid put up yet another dominant performance on the road and stole the game away. He hit the game-winner in overtime, which had the Big Diesel taking his side.

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Joel Embiid has Shaquille O’Neal behind him

The Sixers led a resounding comeback on the road, thanks to Joel. The Philly star crushed the Raptors in the clutch as he drove the Sixers. However, Suns legend Charles Barkley wasn’t all that impressed with Embiid. But fellow center Shaquille O’Neal stood his ground to support Embiid. He defended Embiid and said he came through when it mattered the most.

Shaq said: “Looking good, looking like an MVP to me. Doc did a great job, drew up a great play and executed it. MVP does what he does what he does, hit the shot!”

Embiid was on fire, similar to his Game 2 performance. The MVP favorite did not disappoint on the biggest stage with the light shining. Joel went off scoring 33 points and 13 rebounds, including an emphatic turnaround three-pointer to win the game. Even without Harden in the game, Embiid took control. Before fouling out, Harden added 19 points and 10 assists. Young Tyrese Maxey also scored 19 points in the overtime win for the Sixers.

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Toronto Raptors did a great job all game long, but their big names didn’t do the trick. OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. combined for 50 points for the night. Trent Jr. scored 24 points, to go with 2 rebounds and 2 steals. OG Anunoby scored a team-high for the Raptors. He went on to score 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Pascal Siakam and VanVleet couldn’t get things going. They scored just 12 points each in Game 3, which played a part in taking the game to overtime.

With the series all in Philly’s control, do you think the Raptors can pull off a miracle comeback? Let us know in the comments below.